The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) has initiated an online petition in the form of an open letter to Governments, International Organizations, and the Maritime Industry to protect merchant mariners from piracy—before, during, and long after an attack.

It is worth noting that the 1.2 million merchant mariners operate 100,000 merchant vessels to deliver more than 90% of world trade to their markets and destinations. They face the risk of pirate attacks worldwide.

Here is the text of the petition :

click the image on the right to view and sign the petition

We call upon the community of nations and industry to extend their anti-piracy efforts by joining the International Christian Maritime Association and the Seamen’s Church Institute of New York and New Jersey in giving increased attention to the effects of piracy on merchant mariners.
Working together, governments, international organizations, maritime industry and non-governmental organizations should:
1. Undertake a comprehensive study on the effects of piracy on its victims;
2. Develop international guidelines on caring for victims of piracy;
3. Establish a resource and assistance center for piracy victims and ship owners.
We depend upon merchant mariners for their contributions to our development and prosperity. We owe them the assurance that we will do everything we can to protect them from piracy—before, during, and long after an attack.
Signed,
Douglas B. Stevenson
Deborah G. Blanchard